Former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind GOP candidate Matt Van Epps in the upcoming special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, urging his supporters to participate in early voting. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, following the resignation of Republican Mark Green, who vacated his seat to take a position in the private sector.
In a social media post, Trump called on “America First Patriots” in the district to vote early, specifically highlighting November 26 as the final day for early in-person voting. “You can win this Election for Matt! PLEASE VOTE FOR…”, Trump exclaimed, showcasing his influence and mobilizing his base.
Van Epps, who previously served as the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of General Services, shared a video of himself alongside musician Kid Rock, who has also endorsed him. In the video, Kid Rock made statements aimed at discouraging what he referred to as “lunatics” from entering Tennessee politics, implicitly targeting Van Epps’s Democratic opponent, State Representative Aftyn Behn.
Kid Rock’s endorsement has sparked some debate, with critics pointing out discrepancies about his musical classification. While Van Epps referred to him as a “country music legend,” some commenters took issue, arguing that Kid Rock’s music style leans more toward rock than country and that his notoriety has waned in recent years.
Aftyn Behn, who has previously made headlines for her outspoken advocacy and protests against legislative decisions, was controversially removed from the Tennessee House after calling for the expulsion of a colleague accused of serious allegations, a move that energized her political standing among supporters. Behn has also been part of the efforts advocating for gun reform following tragic events in Tennessee, highlighting her active role in state politics.
As the election approaches, the involvement of prominent figures like Trump and Kid Rock underscores the stakes in this special election, reflecting a greater trend of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns. The race is set to capture the attention of not just local voters but also the wider political community, emphasizing the continued influence of music and media personalities in shaping public opinion.